What Are the Factors That May Affect Your Auto Accident Claim?

If you get involved in a car accident due to another driver's fault, you are eligible for compensation. Although vehicle accident claims may seem simple, they may become complicated due to the many factors considered when calculating a reasonable settlement amount.

This article highlights four factors that may affect an auto accident claim.

1. Type and Severity of the Injury

The severity and nature of the injury sustained after an auto accident vary greatly from one instance to another. These injuries may determine the amount of time you'll take to recover or the amount of money you'll spend at the hospital. Therefore, these factors usually play a major role when calculating your auto accident claim.

Victims who sustain permanent injuries like traumatic brain injury and vision loss may be eligible for more compensation since these injuries may need more medical care. Moreover, such injuries may lead to lifelong suffering and pain. On the other hand, patients who sustain minor injuries, like bruises or strains, are likely to receive less compensation since such injuries heal quickly.

However, you should not assume that minor injuries are not entitled to a reasonable claim. If you think that an insurance company undervalues your compensation, you need to seek legal counsel.

2. Your Statements After the Accident

The way you speak to the driver at fault or the insurance adjuster after an auto accident may have a huge impact on the amount of compensation you receive.

For instance, if you apologize to the other driver at the accident scene, the insurance provider may assume that you were admitting to being responsible for the accident. Additionally, if you use words like "it's okay," the insurance provider may accuse you of exaggerating your injuries so that you may receive more money.

Another thing that you need to avoid after a car accident is providing written statements to the insurance adjuster. Most times, insurance adjusters don't have your best interest at heart. Therefore, they may solicit you into providing statements that may implicate you, affecting your compensation. When providing a written statement about the accident, ensure your lawyer is present.

3. The Time You Took Before Getting Medical Assistance

When you get involved in a car accident, you need to seek immediate medical assistance. Seeking immediate medical assistance helps to show the severity of your injuries. Otherwise, the insurer may assume that your injuries are not as severe as stated in your claim, reducing your compensation.

Even if you think you did not sustain accident injuries, you should still see a doctor for a general checkup. A general medical examination may reveal injuries that you are not aware of. Also, if you wait until you start experiencing pain, you may get a difficult time proving that your injuries result from a car accident.

After getting medical assistance, you need to adhere to your doctor's instructions. This way, the insurer cannot blame you even if you develop complications after the treatment.

4. Fault Percentage

Police officers usually assess the accident scene to determine who was at fault. If the other person was totally responsible, you might get full compensation. However, if your actions contributed to the accident, the insurer may reduce your claim according to the fault percentage. Therefore, if 15 percent of the accident was part of your fault, you will only get 85 percent of the compensation. For instance, if you are eligible for an $80,000 compensation, you will only receive $68,000.

Different states have different rules regarding compensation according to fault percentage. Therefore, ensure you know the rules in your state.

Every person deserves compensation after getting involved in a car accident. However, getting a reasonable compensation from an insurance company is not a walk in the park. If you want assistance in getting compensation after a car accident, contact Walsh & Associates, PC.